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The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is focusing its efforts on ecosystem management to protect our islands’ fresh water resources.

"It's so easy to get caught up in our modern world. Easy to forget where you came from. And then you look at the world and realize that things are kinda out of control. I left Hollywood 15-years ago. I came home to Hawaii to remember what life is about. My name is Jason Scott Lee, and I live in the rainforest." Excerpt from a new program about protecting our watersheds.

DLNR has produced a half-hour television special illustrating the importance of watershed protection and restoration. “The Rain Follows the Forest,” features Jason Scott Lee setting out on a journey to learn about sustainable life in our island home. Through interesting conversations, he learns about Hawai‘i’s fragile fresh water supply and discovers connections to our upland forest environment, and shares ways in which we all can contribute to protecting our watersheds.

Jason Scott Lee is on a journey to see if Hawaii's future bodes well or not for future generations. Join Jason as he learns about how a healthy watershed impacts our ocean and near shore ecosystems. We will be sharing this journey and the television premiere information soon!

One of those conversations in the television special is with William J. Aila, Jr., Chairperson of DLNR who says, “I think about my grandchildren all the time and the challenges that they are going to face. The worst-case scenario is that our watersheds are depleted and the source of fresh water diminishes.” “Fresh water is really important for us, it’s important to every ecosystem from the top of the mountain even into the ocean,” continued Aila.

Hawaii’s water supplies are under threat from hotter and drier conditions from climate change, as well as loss of watershed forests. Jason Scott Lee examines this and other facts about watershed preservation as part of an educational video produced by DLNR.

Tune-in on Thursday January 19, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. on KGMB and join Jason Scott Lee as he learns about our watersheds and how they provide nearly all of our fresh water in Hawai‘i.

Jason Scott Lee learned from Larry Yamamoto just how our agriculture water systems work. Our January video premiere will tell the story.

DLNR has launched a facebook page which has been following the production of the television special. Follow DLNR on facebook at www.facebook.com/HawaiiDLNR to see those images and keep up to date with DLNR news.

Airdates – January 2012

KGMB Thursday 1/19/2012 6:30-7pm

KGMB Sunday 1/22/2012 at 4:30-5pm

KHNL Thursday 1/26/2012 at 6:30-7pm

KHNL Saturday 1/28/2012 at 6 – 6:30pm

February 2012 – Throughout February on “Outside Hawai‘i” on OC16

For additional information, you may find “The Rain Follows the Forest: A Plan to Replenish Hawai‘i’s Source of Water” which was released by Governor Abercrombie in November 2011 on our DLNR website at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr.

“I believe you deserve better than what you’re getting right now and I can do the job. It’s about rolling up our sleeves, it’s about digging in, it’s about knowing the details, it’s about working with people and solving problems. That’s how I approach issues. It’s about hands on details that make life better for all of you. That’s the kind of Mayor that I’m going to be,” Caldwell said in front of sign waving supporters.

“I believe in the bottom of my heart that you need someone who approaches this job seriously; the whole job not just the ceremonies, not just the ground br eakings, not just the world travel and not just to stand on one controversial issue,” said Caldwell.

Caldwell acknowledged that the Honolulu rail project is one of the many important issues this election saying “Rail is a huge issue and I’m pro mass transit. This system is not only about creating jobs but really redesigning our city around each of the transit stations. It’s about people living closer to work and spending more time at home with each other and cele br ating what’s best about life.”

Being a pro-rail supporter, Caldwell expressed concern about the way Peter Carlisle has handled the project saying “I think the way it has been handled is that its in more trouble because of a lack of focus, a lack of paying attention to detail, a lack of transparency and a lack of speaking to the people about the problems with rail and how you’re going to overcome them.”

With rail arguably the largest issue this election, Caldwell made a point to also mention the importance of smaller projects and paying close attention to the details. Using the recent overflowing trash problem at Diamond Head and Ala Wai as an example he said “the pictures say it all, the headlines say it all. We have trash not being picked up for a whole month in a major premier tourist destination in Hawaii , in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I can’t think of anything more basic, and more important for a mayor to do then to pick up the trash – and Mayor Carlisle cannot do this.”

“I can promise you this – I’m going to be your hands on mayor; I’m going to approach every problem seriously, I’m going to listen to everyone I’m going to be transparent about the issues. And I’m going to put the people first when we solve the problems,” he added.

Caldwell also distributed a video message to his supporters on social media filmed at the Waipahu Sugar Mill in Waipahu – where Kirk was born and raised. Speaking about his experience growing up in a plantation town he said “This community helped shaped who I am. It was a great place to grow up as a kid.”

“It taught me the value of hard work, about tolerance, about listening to people, about caring for each other, about helping each other, about making decisions together and I carry those values with me to this day,” he added.

When asked by a reporter at Thursday morning’s press conference about his chances in the election, Caldwell said “I’m confident – I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think I could win. I have a plan and I’m running to win.”

The story of Kona Historical Society’s Kona Coffee Living History Farm begins with the Uchida Farm.

Find out how the only living history coffee farm in the nation got its start. This video was made in 1999 as the farm was just beginning.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/JtKT3kfjFvs]

Now, with its completion over 10 years ago, you may stroll through the award-winning Kona Coffee Living History Farm that tells the story of Kona’s coffee pioneers during the 1920’s, “talking story” with costumed historians and discovering the history behind Kona’s gourmet crop.

Come join us! You won’t leave this place without feeling you have experienced a rare glimpse into Hawai`i’s colorful past. www.konahistorical.org

A highly specialized NOAA jet typically used to study hurricanes will fly over the north Pacific Ocean during the next two months gathering data that will enhance winter storm forecasts for the entire North American continent.

The Gulfstream IV-SP (G-IV) is a high altitude, high speed, twin turbofan jet aircraft acquired by NOAA in 1996.

From its temporary base at U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point in Honolulu, NOAA’s high-altitude, twin-engine Gulfstream IV-SP aircraft will deploy special sensors to collect information where the jet stream and moisture from the ocean interact and breed potentially powerful winter storms that impact North America several days later.

Data on wind speed and direction, pressure, temperature and humidity from the sensors will be monitored and quality checked by meteorologists aboard the aircraft. NOAA then will use the information to predict the location and intensity of high winds, destructive surf conditions, severe weather and flooding rainfall caused by winter storms.

“These atmospheric observations, combined with satellite and other data, have proven to significantly enhance four-to-seven day winter weather forecasts” said Capt. Barry Choy, chief science officer for the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), part of NOAA’s National Weather Service. “Improved forecasts mean longer warning lead times for the public, emergency managers, air carriers, utility companies and others to prepare for significant winter storms, protect lives and property and minimize economic impacts.”

The mission will take the Gulfstream IV north, east and west of Hawaii, and occasionally as far as Alaska. Data gathered in the upper atmosphere by the NOAA aircraft, which flies at 45,000 feet, will be supplemented by data collected at lower altitudes by a U.S. Air Force Reserve weather reconnaissance plane. The flight tracks for both aircraft will be developed by NCEP.

“Together, these flights will help forecasters paint a detailed three-dimensional picture of weather systems over Pacific regions where more accurate information is needed for computer weather forecast models,” said Jack R. Parrish, flight director and meteorologist with NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.

Based at the NOAA Aircraft Operations Center, located at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., the Gulfstream IV is part of the NOAA fleet of aircraft and ships operated, managed and maintained by the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations.

It may not yet be summer, but now is the time to “beat the heat” by spaying your cat in advance of her heat cycle and preventing unwanted litters before kitten season arrives this spring – a time when shelters traditionally see large numbers of unwanted litters being born. To help reduce the number of homeless cats, Hawaii Island Humane Society (HIHS) is offering a “Beat the Heat” promotion sponsored by PetSmart Charities. In celebration of Spay Day USA in February, HIHS will spay 50 female cats for a special rate of $20.

Spaying and neutering is one of the most effective ways to reduce the homeless pet population. While some worry that their pet may be too young for this procedure, spaying and neutering is safe for kittens as young as eight to 10 weeks old. And, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, spaying a female cat before the first heat cycle is actually beneficial, rather than waiting until after one heat cycle has occurred. The procedure is known to improve the health of the pet, including a reduced risk of certain reproductive cancers and infections.

“Many people don’t know that female cats can have as many as three litters a year, and kittens can breed as young as four months old,” says Donna Whitaker, HIHS Executive Director. “It’s our goal to bring female cats in before they go into heat and become pregnant. Our ‘Beat the Heat’ promotion is a fun way to educate the community and prevent unwanted litters.”

This special rate of $20 is available to the first 50 domestic cat owners who sign up between January 16 and 31 at the Keaau or Kona shelters. Twenty surgeries will be allotted to cat owners in Keaau and in Ocean View and 10 surgeries allotted to cat owners in Kona during the month of February. Cat parents who wish to take advantage of this offer must mention the “Beat the Heat” promotion when they sign up. The promotion is based on availability. HIHS also sells specially priced spay/neuter coupons that are accepted by many island veterinarians. Male cat neuter coupons are $30 and female cat spay coupons are $60, which is nearly half what you’d otherwise pay.Please visit HIHS.org or call 329-1175 or the Spay/Neuter Hotline at 987-7208 for more information.

“Kim is a natural for our team here at Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa,” said Area Managing Director and General Manager Steve Lindburg. “Her skills are already being appreciated as we build awareness of our Bayside Wedding Gardens and of this resort as Hawaii’s ideal location for destination weddings and celebrations for guests and island residents.”

Higashi grew up in Waipahu on the island of Oahu and is a graduate of the University of Hawaii’s School of Travel Industry Management. A Hawaii Island resident for 11 years now, Higashi gained hospitality management experience in a variety of guest service positions first at the Waikiki Beachcomber in Honolulu and most recently as Catering and Conference Services Manager at Mauna Kea Resort. Higashi will be focusing her attention on weddings and celebrations at Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa to help ensure that each couple’s special day is superlative.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will join all 397 national park units across the country in waiving entrance fees Jan. 14-16 to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Entrance fees will also be waived on Sat., Jan. 21 to honor the U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory’s 100-year anniversary and Open House.

The HVO Open House on Jan. 21 is an ideal opportunity for residents and visitors to meet USGS scientists, learn how they monitor Hawaiian volcanoes and earthquakes, and appreciate the compelling history of this vital agency. HVO is located within the national park, but is typically not open
to the public. The Open House will feature observatory tours, demonstrations, and other activities, starting from 9 a.m.

For information on the HVO Open House and other programs offered by HVO in January, visit hvo.wr.usgs.gov.

“We are pleased to invite the public to explore their magnificent national park at no charge during these significant milestones,” said Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “I hope everyone has an opportunity to take advantage of the fee-free dates during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend, and can enjoy the rare privilege of visiting HVO’s Open House,” she said.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park will offer numerous ranger-led hikes and programs during the fee-free dates. Visitors can find information at http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/ranger-programs.htm and check the ranger activities bulletin board at the Kīlauea Visitor Center each morning at 9 a.m.

The National Park Service will waive entrance fees on 14 other days in 2012: Apr. 21-29 (National Park Week), June 9 (Get Outdoors Day), July 14 (Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park’s 32nd Annual Cultural Festival), Sept. 29 (National Public Lands Day) and Nov. 10-12 (Veteran’s Day weekend).

Hawai‘i Volcanoes is one of five national park units on the Island of Hawai‘i. Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is also free of charge on the NPS fee-free 2012 dates. There is no admission at Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, or along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail.

Have you ever wondered how a spectacular Broadway show is put together? What goes on behind the scenes? The triumphs and the tragedies along the way?

Puna Men's Chorus

Our new show, Aloha Broadway!, transports you to the other side of the curtains. It’s an inside look at the million and one things that go into putting on a show, and how the excitement builds leading up to opening night. Along the way, we present our unique tributes to over fifty of your favorite show tunes!

Prepare to be entertained and wowed by the Puna Men’s Chorus, our wonderful director, Amy Horst, and special guests as we serve up songs and Broadway musical theater in our unique, heartwarming and often irreverent style.